Belvedere principal prepares for retirement
After 24 years of service at the school, Hannes du Plessis says he’s ready to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Hannes du Plessis may not be a man of many words, but his love for specialised education speaks volumes.
The Belvedere School principal is slowly clearing his office as he prepares to slip into early retirement at the end of June.
From the age of 22, Du Plessis has dedicated his life to education but found his calling when he assumed the role of deputy principal at the Farrarmere school.
In 2014 he was appointed as principal and humbly admits that with the support of the school’s dedicated faculty, the school for learners with special educational needs (LSEN) crossed boundaries.
“Every child dreams of attaining a matric certificate and we realised this was no different for our learners, who benefit from our individual support programme (ISP),” he said.
“Adding Grade 12 to our curriculum, our learners have blossomed. We have created an opportunity for them to follow their dreams.”
Since its inception, the school has recorded a 100% matric pass rate for the past seven years.
“As our learners’ ambitions grew, so did ours and we successfully introduced sport as part of our educational offering,” said Du Plessis.
“Once again they did not disappoint with many athletes excelling while they competed against mainstream schools.”
Of his impending retirement, he jokingly says the real work starts now.
“When I was younger and just starting as a teacher, I promised myself that I would retire early so that I could be fit and healthy enough to enjoy the fruits of my labour,” said Du Plessis.
“I will be relocating to Kwa-Zulu Natal’s North Coast. I have invested in a small property where I will be spending my days tinkering and hammering to make my seaside dream come true.”
Before leaving the school grounds for the last time, Du Plessis says he wants every Belvedere learner to know how proud he is of their hard work and spirit of determination.
“You are all wonderful creations of God who has bestowed immense talent onto each and everyone,” he said.
“Never stop chasing your dreams, work to the best of your ability and do not stand in another’s shadow.”
ALSO READ: Belvedere duo helps SA to fourth place at cheerleading worlds
ALSO READ: Rugbyspeler se drome word spoedig waar
